Indianapolis Board of Public Works Meeting – April 22, 2026

The Board of Public Works met on April 22, 2026, to adopt the agenda, approve minutes, conduct a public hearing on a public-private partnership, consider several change orders, professional service agreements, amendments, and final acceptances, and hear community concerns regarding the 16th Street Bridge closure. The meeting was chaired by Director Todd Wilson.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously adopted the April 22, 2026, agenda (motion by Bob Perrin, second by Edis Redman).
• Unanimously approved the minutes from March 11, March 25, and April 8, 2026 (motion by Susie Cordy, second by Seba Jawanza).

Public Comments & Testimony

Public hearing on Avenue Inc. public-private agreement: No members of the public spoke.

16th Street Bridge community impact: Several community members and business owners addressed the board:

• Robbie Smith (co-owner, Long’s Bakery, 71 years in business) expressed concern about the full two-year closure, citing the negative impact of the 30th Street Bridge closure (which took four years and cost $18 million vs. initial $6.5–7.5 million). He estimated a 20% revenue loss for his business, warned of possible layoffs, and noted that the closure would force traffic onto 10th Street, endangering pedestrians and schoolchildren. He urged the board to expedite work and improve communication.
• An unnamed speaker (community representative) criticized the lack of transparency and communication, stating that safety concerns were raised only after initial meetings focused on finances. He noted that four to five schools would be affected and that residents learned of the closure late.
• Another speaker (business owner on both sides of the bridge) echoed transparency concerns, appreciated the commitment to extended work hours, but asked the board to consider businesses and neighborhoods in future projects.
• Carlina Moses (Near West community builder) stated that residents are not opposed to the project but demand consistent, clear communication, traffic calming on residential streets, and real-time data on traffic impacts. She reported having met with DPW staff to improve collaboration.
• A final speaker (representing a family business of 71 years) questioned the necessity of a full two-year closure, noting that similar rehabilitation projects elsewhere maintain partial access. He asked for a full safety analysis comparing emergency response and community impact, and requested transparency on why partial closure was not feasible.

Discussion Items

• Public-Private Partnership with Avenue Inc. (INIP Program): Deputy Director Daniel Stevenson presented the award of a public-private agreement to Avenue Inc. for the construction of Neighborhood Infrastructure Partnership (INIP) projects. INIP is a 50-50 cost-share program (max $500,000 per project) for community-led infrastructure improvements. Two proposals were received; Avenue Inc. was the highest-scored. The firm committed to meeting or exceeding the city’s XBE participation goals. The board approved the agreement unanimously.
• Change Order No. 1 – Eagle Creek Greenway (GT 2304): Nathan Sheets presented a $412,650.80 increase (to a total of $8,284,256.30) and 39 additional days for tree removal and sheet piling work due to missed depth calculations. The increase is about 5% of the project cost.
• Professional Services Agreement – 71st Street & Dean Road Roundabout (ST-12-015): Mark St. John presented a $498,200 design contract with Clark Deeds Inc. for converting the intersection to a roundabout, funded by CMAQ 2028. MBE/WBE participation includes 16.1% to JQOL Inc. and others.
• Amendment No. 3 – Marion County Bridge Inspections (BR-25-178G): $95,000 increase (to $2,077,828.99) for rigging system design to inspect the 16th Tech Bridge. No extension to expiration date.
• Amendment No. 1 – Stormwater Design Services (ENG 23015): A&F Engineering Co. LLC received updated rates with no change to the $500,000 total or expiration date.
• Amendment No. 3 – Fountain Square Drainage Improvements (SD 32014): $31,510 increase (to $1,422,059) and extension to December 31, 2027, for additional roadway and traffic signal design along Shelby, Morris, Virginia, and Prospect Streets.
• Final Acceptance – Holly Creek Regional Detention Basin (SD 04069): Final contract amount $590,474.08. Board member Susie Cordy abstained due to her husband’s employment with the contractor.
• Final Acceptance – Heathrow Way Concrete Pavement Reconstruction (ST 21095): Final contract amount $2,734,104.70. No complete streets elements were added; the project was primarily a rehab.
• 16th Street Bridge Community Impact: Chair Todd Wilson provided a detailed timeline: bridge built in 1948, scoping in 2016, federal funding in 2018, design contract in 2019, inspection services in 2023, construction awarded to Beatty Construction in 2024. A full closure is required due to embedded utilities, arch fill removal, and safety constraints. Alternatives were deemed impractical. The city will accelerate construction with extended hours, added crews, and weekend work, but utility coordination remains a schedule risk. The board did not take a vote on this item; it was a discussion to hear public comment.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda and minutes approved unanimously.
• Public-private agreement with Avenue Inc. approved unanimously.
• Change Order No. 1 for Eagle Creek Greenway approved unanimously.
• Professional services agreement for 71st/Dean roundabout approved unanimously.
• Amendment No. 3 for bridge inspections approved unanimously.
• Amendment No. 1 for stormwater design approved unanimously.
• Amendment No. 3 for Fountain Square drainage approved unanimously.
• Final acceptance for Holly Creek detention basin approved (Susie Cordy abstained).
• Final acceptance for Heathrow Way reconstruction approved unanimously.
• No decision on the 16th Street Bridge closure; the board only heard public comments. The next steps involve continued monitoring and coordination with utility partners to minimize delays.